Japan's Amami island picked as Natural World Heritage site
「奄美・沖縄」世界自然遺産に登録決定
The designation also covers Tokunoshima and Iriomote, along with the northern part of Okinawa's main island. Altogether, they represent Japan's 24th World Heritage site and the fifth natural heritage site.
Japan's newest World Heritage site spans nearly 43,000 hectares over the four islands. The area is home to rare species such as the Iriomote leopard cat, Ishikawa's frog and the Amami rabbit. Iriomote and Amami Oshima are especially known for their wide expanses of mangrove forest.
The induction as a World Heritage site likely will spur an uptick in tourists. Poaching also remains a problem. Relevant agencies and local governments, including Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures where the islands are located, will bolster nature preservation efforts.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee chose several new sites in Asia during Monday's virtual meeting. They include South Korea's Getbol Tidal Flats, the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex in Thailand and the Arslantepe Mound in Turkey.
UNESCO is expected to add 17 Jomon period archaeological sites in northern Japan to the World Cultural Heritage list on Tuesday. They are located in Hokkaido, as well as in the prefectures of Aomori, Iwate and Akita. Among the most famous are the remains of Aomori's Sannai-Maruyama settlement, built about 5,900 years ago.
Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train trial runs begin ahead of new section opening
NHK - Sep 26
Trial runs of a bullet train of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line have begun in an extended part of the line set to open in March.
Foreigners flock to brutal 'midsummer pilgrimage'
News On Japan - Sep 25
The Shikoku pilgrimage takes pilgrims to 88 sacred sites scattered across the island, covering a total distance of roughly 1,200 kilometers.
How to Watch KABUKI Performance in TOKYO Japan - Now Easier to put in your Itinerary
Tokyo Kenchan - Sep 25
Kabuki is a Japanese traditional art perform that continues from hundreds years ago. During your visit to Japan, you can watch the Kabuki performance that are held in regular schedule in Tokyo's Kabukiza Theater. This video explain how you can get tickets and visit Tokyo's Kabukiza.
Japan to prepare major transformation in tourism industry
newsonjapan.com - Sep 25
Japan is gearing up for a major transformation in the tourism industry, set to open its first integrated resorts (IRs) in 2030.
Test runs start in part of Hokuriku Shinkansen Line set to open in March
NHK - Sep 23
Test runs have started in an extended part of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train line that is set to open along the Sea of Japan coast next March.
First signs of autumn in Tokyo
News On Japan - Sep 23
A sudden change in the weather on Saturday brought temperatures in Tokyo below 25C for the first time in 3 months, as people enjoyed the first 'signs of autumn'.
New signboards unveiled at Osaka's Tsutenkaku Tower
NHK - Sep 23
Year-long renovation work on the signboards of Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka, western Japan, has been completed. The landmark illumination tourist attraction has now improved flexibility.
First Autumn leaves spotted in northern Japan
News On Japan - Sep 21
Hokkaido recorded its lowest temperature of the season on Thursday morning, with the town of Esashi plunging to 3.6C, sparking the arrival of Autumn leaves.
Arashiyama swarming with tourists
News On Japan - Sep 20
While the mountains of Arashiyama in the western outskirts of Kyoto are yet to be adorned with the red and yellow hues of fall, both domestic and international tourists are already flocking to popular spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, creating an unprecedented "tourism bubble."
Japan's weather agency predicts 'mild winter'
News On Japan - Sep 20
The Japan Meteorological Agency has announced its outlook for the next three months and the winter ahead, with temperatures predicted to be higher than usual and less snowfall.
Riding on Japan's luxurious private compartment | Saphir Odoriko
Experience JAPAN - Sep 20
This time, I took the most difficult-to-reserve six-person private room on a train called Saphir Odoriko.
Japan grapples with 'overtourism'
News On Japan - Sep 18
Over the three-day weekend, crowds were drawn to various events across Japan, including the "Kishiwada Danjiri Festival" in Osaka Prefecture, the "Imoni Stew Festival" in Yamagata, and the "Asakusa Samba Carnival" in Tokyo, highlighting the emerging problem of overtourism.
Tokyo's Asakusa Samba Carnival returns after 4-year COVID hiatus
Kyodo - Sep 18
The Asakusa Samba Carnival, a late-summer Tokyo highlight, returned Sunday following a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with sounds of passionate Brazilian music and explosive percussion filling a street in downtown Asakusa, drawing 300,000 spectators.
WHY IS THIS UK VAN IN JAPAN? STOPPED BY THE POLICE
TREAD the globe - Sep 18
It's not everyday the local police see a UK van driving along the back streets of Japan, so we shouldn't be surprised that we got stopped again!
Must Visit Traditional Japanese Town - KAWAGOE
seerasan - Sep 18
Literally the perfect town to experience traditional Japanese vibes!! If you can’t make it to Kyoto STAY HERE
Over 1 million people witness return of Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
News On Japan - Sep 17
The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is a summer tradition that has been revived in downtown Tokyo for the first time in four years along Sumida river.
